Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan from Xinzhu (High Mountain Oolong Tea Oriental Beauty)

Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan: Taiwanese High Mountain Oolong Tea from Hsinchu

Dongfang Meiren (东方美人, Dongfang Meiren), or "Oriental Beauty", is a legendary Taiwanese oolong tea known for its unique honey-fruity profile and unusual history of creation. In this case, we are talking about the highland (高山, Gaoshan) version of this tea from Hsinchu (新竹, Xīnzhú) County, presented in loose leaf form.

Origin: Hsinchu, Taiwan - Home of the Oriental Beauty

Hsinchu County in Taiwan is the historic heartland of Oriental Beauty production. The addition of "Gaoshan" indicates that the tea plantations are located at high altitude (usually over 1,000 meters above sea level), which often helps the tea develop a more intense aroma and a clean, smooth taste. The tea plant used is Da Bai Cha (大白茶, Dà báichá), which traces its lineage back to bushes brought from northern Fujian in the 19th century.

Dongfang Meiren Style: Heritage and Classical Features

Classic "Oriental Beauty" is a tea that stands apart in the world of oolongs:

• High degree of oxidation: Reaches 70-80%, which is the maximum for oolongs and brings it closer in appearance and some characteristics to red teas, although technologically it remains a dark oolong.
• The involvement of cicadas: The most amazing aspect of traditional Dongfang Meiren is its symbiosis with small green cicadas (Jacobiasca formosana). In summer, these insects feed on the juice of tea leaves. In response, the plant switches on its defense mechanisms, producing special substances (polyphenols, tannins) and starting the fermentation process while still on the bush. It is this interaction that gives classic Dongfang Meiren its unique fruity aroma and sweetness. The presence of cicadas is also a guarantee of organic farming, as they do not survive on plantations treated with pesticides. Traditionally, slightly yellowed leaves and a large number of buds are used for production.

Taste and aroma: powerful fruity ensemble

• Aroma and taste: balanced, sweet and sour, oily and deep. Unusual, fragrant shades of sparkling white wine find perfect harmony with the charismatic honey-spicy composition. The taste of this tea can be compared to multi-fruit juice, fruit candies or sparkling champagne. It is under the name of tea-champagne that the Eastern Beauty is most famous.
• Finish: Long, sweet, honeyed and fruity with floral and light spicy undertones, leaving a clean and pleasant impression. The long-lasting mango notes stand out in particular.

Effect: meditation and mood

In addition to the amazing aroma and taste, tea leaves a meditative state, lulls and gives a boost to the mood, has a harmonizing and pleasant effect.

Brewing recommendations

• Tableware: Porcelain gaiwan (120 ml).
• Amount of tea: 7 grams.
• Water: High quality. Recommended temperature for dark oolongs is around 90-95°C.
• Method: Infusions to assess flavour development.

Dongfang Meiren Gaoshan from Hsinchu is an intriguing variation of "Oriental Beauty". Grown in the highlands and processed in the style of the famous oolong, it has an incredibly rich fruity taste, reminiscent of multi-fruit juice, with a long mango aftertaste and a pleasant meditative effect. This tea is a real discovery for connoisseurs of Taiwanese oolongs, looking for bright and deep taste impressions. Be sure to try it!!!